Wesselingh beats Langer in own back yard!

PAUL Wesselingh, a former Chorley and Northenden pro, claimed his first title of the season at the WINSTONgolf Senior Open, denying home favourite Bernhard Langer at the third hole of a play-off after producing a stunning finish to his final round.

GREAT FINISH: Paul Wesselingh

The 2013 Order of Merit winner finished eagle-birdie for a seven under par 65 in northern Germany to reach 15 under overall, which was matched by Phil Golding and Langer, who posted rounds of 66 and 69 respectively.

All three birdied the first hole of the play-off, then Golding was eliminated at the second when his approach found the water. After heading back to the tee for a third time, Wesselingh conjured a majestic second shot which he tapped in for birdie, and was crowned champion when Langer could only manage a par.

Wesselingh, who did not drop a single shot in three rounds, said: “It’s an incredible feeling. I didn’t expect to get in a play-off because Bernhard had a chance to make eagle on the 17th and birdie on the 18th. I can’t remember the last time a play-off started with three birdies.”

Of his spectacular finish in regulation play, he added: “I holed my third shot from about 20 yards for eagle on the 17th, and it was great to finish with a birdie on the last.

“I missed a lot of putts in the first two rounds but today I putted well. The greens are really difficult to read – sometimes you look silly because the ball has rolled in a different direction from what you expected.

“The course is by far the best of the season and the greens are superb. It is a pleasure to play here.”

Langer was gracious in defeat, saying: “I had my chances to win the tournament, and the birdie putt on the 18th was so close. Paul played better at the right time, so he is the deserving winner.

“The tournament was great and I had a great time playing here in Germany. Hopefully I can have a strong finish to the season.”